There is too much scheduled in the Community Room to comment in detail but pick up a Schedule of Events for the month that gives a summary, and check the poster on the bulletin board in the Library Commons on the third floor for details of each event.

Artist of the Month

March's Artist of the Month is Fred Bushnell, whose paintings offer variety and detail. Fred began to paint seriously in 1990 after 45 years as a farmer. One notes this influence as his paintings will include rural scenes and also beach ones of what he observes and enjoys while on the Beach. He also likes to travel and the travel subjects are active fodder for his paintings. What is particularly fun about Fred is that he loves to paint. He enjoys the process and is not shy about spending time in this adventure. His paintings are on display until the end of this month.

Bikers

If you're coming to the library via the bike, please use the bike rack on the corner of the library near School St. or park in the rack in the parking garage. Do not clutter the front entrance area or damage landscaping or signage. Thanks for your courtesy.

Chess

If you enjoy chess and are comfortable teaching others how to also enjoy this game, please consider volunteering to do a few sessions so that others can come to enjoy chess or spend time with others fine-tuning their skills.

Crystal Display

Though cut lead glass is often referred to as crystal, it does not have a crystalline structure. However, it is more vibrant and sparkly than regular glass. This reflective ability comes from the quality of lead glass' density. The lead oxide added to the glass in the manufacturing process allows it to disperse light much as a prism does. The lead content of the glass also makes it soft and relatively easy to cut. Crystal makers such as Waterford, which is on display, use this property of the glass to create several facets on the surfaces of the finished work.

While the Irish Waterford company produces raw lead crystal using common manufacturing techniques, it is set apart from other crystal companies by the high quality and craftsmanship displayed in the finished works.

These treasures are from the Callow/Moxley Collection, many handed down through the generations of the family.

America in Six

"What does America mean to you?" This question is exactly six words long. Can you answer it using only six words? This is how one library patron recently answered this question: "Crazy dream. Not crazy in America." Another answered: "All is open. All is possible."

We want you to tell us what America means to you in six words. Think of it as writing a personal story about America using only six words. In order to spark your imagination, we encourage you to read Philip Caputo's "The Longest Road", the author's story of his adventurous road trip from Key West to Alaska in search of the soul of America.

When you are ready to submit your six word answer, fill out the simple submission form at one of the displays on the first or second floors of the library. This is where you can check out a copy of the book too. You can also submit your six words online at our website or at a special kiosk on the second floor. All six word stories are anonymous and will be shared on our website.

Ukrainian Eggs

The Ukrainian Eggs display is available on the second floor. There are many eggs to savor including 13 that were written in 2013. This decorating is called pysanky which comes from the Ukrainian word "to write" as the designs are written on the eggs and not painted. The designs are written on an egg with melted beeswax using an instrument known as a kistka.

While it is sad that Ukrainians are currently having to deal with political turmoil in their nation, it is likely that many families will continue the annual tradition of writing eggs in preparation for Easter. In the Ukraine, the egg has represented the original source of creation, and in pre-Christian times the decorated eggs welcomed the sun during the spring cycle of festivals. With the acceptance of Christianity in 988 A.D., the pysanka became part of the tradition of Easter with the egg likened to the tomb from which Christ rose. To receive an egg was the ultimate in a personalized gift since each egg must have a symbolic meaning for the recipient. It is also why attention to the artist is much less important than the egg itself and the person who receives it.

Hours

A recorder gives the summertime hours we are open if you call in at 765-8162 when we are closed. Open hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 to 5; and Saturday 9 to 1.